February 5, 2021

OCEA Stewards, Board members or staff will never tell you how to vote. That’s not what our union is about. We do, however, have an obligation to inform you and your coworkers as to why particular candidates or issues deserve your support or opposition. We believe it is our duty to let you know when a particular candidate or issue puts your rights and job security in jeopardy.

February 4, 2021

Public sector workers at every level of government are duty-bound to implement the lawful policies and procedures enacted by elected legislators. Politicians allocate funds, pass budgets, and vote on our MOUs. Their influence on working conditions, retirement security, job security, and much more is pervasive.

February 2, 2021

The availability of COVID-19 vaccinations has raised hopes for an end to the country's unprecedented health crisis. Unfortunately, the vaccine rollout has created significant confusion, especially as it relates to essential workers. We wanted to provide a brief update on vaccination availability and share a video message to you and your coworkers from OCEA’s staff.

January 29, 2021

Time for another installment in our ongoing “members only” series that were previously held at OCEA Headquarters or at various work locations but are now virtual. We can’t hold those seminars in person because of the pandemic but we can bring you content produced especially for you.

January 27, 2021

Please join OCEA General Manager Charles Barfield and OCEA leadership for a workplace safety update. OCEA staff will provide information on new laws meant to protect workers, and the steps you need to take at work to protect yourself and your family.

January 25, 2021

Last year was tough. The Coronavirus, a divisive election, and unrest in our streets took place while you and your co-workers continued providing essential government services to the public. I have never been more proud to stand together with working families.

January 18, 2021

Today is MLK Day observed on the third Monday in January since 1986. We have been celebrating the life of civil rights icon the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for 35-years.

January 16, 2021

As COVID-19 infection rates continue to soar in our community and workplaces, OCEA Stewards and staff are escalating demands for verification the County is complying with Cal/OSHA's Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for dealing with viral outbreaks and major outbreaks.

January 4, 2021

An article posted today by Norberto Santana, Voice of OC publisher, included an interview with OCEA General Manager Charles Barfield.

December 31, 2020

Like many of you, I am saying “goodbye” to 2020 with a cautious sense of relief. But we all know that turning a page on the calendar doesn’t change the realities each of you continue to face every day of the year. The demand for the essential services you provide to our communities isn’t going away and the fiscal impacts of COVID-19 will make delivering those services ever more challenging.